North Cascades National Park Service Complex is beginning the planning process for a Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Public input is being sought on possible actions in response to repeated flooding in the lower Stehekin River corridor. This public scoping is the first step in the planning and environmental impact analysis process to determine future management of lands within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

Increased magnitude and frequency of flooding during the last 30 years has affected public and private land in the lower Stehekin Valley. Sustainable management strategies and actions are needed to fulfill the intent of the 1995 Lake Chelan NRA General Management Plan. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which includes the Implementation Plan, will address issues related to the natural processes of the Stehekin River, maintenance of park facilities, including the road system, recreation, and administrative facilities. A revised Land Protection Plan will be developed to guide land exchanges and purchases in the lower Stehekin Valley, in part to respond to requests from property owners to move out of the floodplain.

The first part of the EIS process is public scoping. People are invited to identify concerns and action items, as well as provide comments and ideas, all of which will help the National Park Service determine the scope of the plan and EIS. As part of this process people may submit comments in writing and/or attend a public workshop. Public scoping workshops will consist of presentations on current river dynamics, discussions to identify issues and possible management action alternatives, and opportunities to talk with park staff.

Three public scoping meetings will be held at:

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Stehekin, Washington
Golden West Visitor Center

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wenatchee, Washington
Okanogan – Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters,
215 Melody Lane

Thursday, January 24 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Mountaineers Olympus Room,
300 Third Avenue West

Resource Comments Park Planning and Public Comment Website This website provides the complete project information. Newsletter #1 Includes plan specifics including schedule of public workshops. White Paper #2 A summary of history and research about Stehekin River Floods.